On August 24, the World Hindu Federation (Pacific) sent a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to raise concerns with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka regarding recent attacks on Hindu Mandirs, homes, and sacred symbols in Fiji.
In a strongly worded letter, Dr. Sunil Kumar, President of the World Hindu Federation (Pacific), voiced serious concern over the “recent spate of desecrations” involving theft and vandalism targeting the Hindu community in Fiji. He highlighted alarming reports from families detailing incidents such as the theft of a sacred Shivling and religious statues from both Mandirs and private homes.
“These attacks have caused widespread distress and insecurity within the Hindu community,” Dr. Kumar stated. He also criticised what he described as a troubling pattern of inaction, noting that “despite repeated condemnations in the past, such crimes continue with alarming frequency.”
The World Hindu Federation (WHF) suggested that the prevailing political environment in Fiji may be contributing to the rise in such incidents. Dr. Sunil Kumar stated, “We are compelled to ask why these acts of religious disrespect persist, and whether the political climate under Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has emboldened such behaviour.”
The organisation urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was hosting PM Rabuka during an official visit to India, to address the issue directly in their bilateral discussions. “It is crucial that Mr. Rabuka explains how his government intends to protect the Hindu minority community from these ongoing attacks,” the letter emphasised.
Temple vandalism sparks outrage
The letter followed a series of thefts and acts of vandalism at Hindu Mandirs across five locations in a single day. According to media reports, incidents were reported at temples in Korociri, Nakurakura, and Sagayam Road.
Just weeks earlier, in July, the historic Samabula Shiv Mandir in Suva, over a century old, was vandalised, drawing widespread condemnation and reigniting fears over the safety and security of the Indo-Fijian community. The attack resulted in the destruction of 100-year-old sacred idols.
The accused in the case was identified as 28-year-old Samuela Tawake. He has been charged with one count of sacrilege and one count of throwing an object. The court has ordered a psychiatric evaluation to assess his mental state.
Earlier in April this year, sacred Ramayan texts were torn at the Vunicuicui Shiv Mandir in Labasa. Attacks on Hindu Mandirs and establishments in Fiji are not new. In 2018, Mandirs in Suva and Nadi were vandalised with hate graffiti, murtis were damaged, and donation boxes were stolen. A similar wave of attacks occurred in 2006, prompting temple administrations to hire private security after police admitted they were unable to provide round-the-clock protection. Going further back, in 1991, there were reported incidents of firebombing and the burning of sacred Hindu texts.
VHP Fiji condemns Mandir desecration, calls for strong action and protection of Hindu faith
Following the July attack on the century-old Samabula Shiv Mandir, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (Fiji) strongly condemned the desecration of sacred idols, describing it as more than mere vandalism, an attack on the very core of the Hindu faith. VHP (Fiji) President Jay Dayaal called the incident deliberate and deeply troubling, warning of a rising trend of hostility towards Hindu temples and scriptures.
He urged all Fijians to stand against religious intolerance, called for decisive government action to protect places of worship, and demanded strict punishment for those responsible.
During an event organised by the Hindu community in Fiji, Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, along with Minister of Education, Aseri Radrodro, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to zero tolerance for religious attacks. They emphasised that unity, compassion, and mutual understanding are essential to building a peaceful Fiji where all communities can coexist in harmony.
Kamikamica assured the Indo-Fijian community that the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward religiously motivated attacks and affirmed that such acts will not be tolerated.
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